Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shadowrealm free to play?

Yes. Shadowrealm: Age of Darkness is free to play in your browser with no download. The full game, including the competitive endgame, is playable without spending anything. Optional Shadowgems can be earned for free through play or purchased to support the game and save time, but they never sell wins.

Do I need to download or install anything?

No. Shadowrealm runs entirely in your web browser on desktop or mobile. You can also add it to your home screen as an app (it is a Progressive Web App), but that is optional. Just register and play.

What kind of game is it?

It is a persistent, text-and-menu dark-fantasy RPG in the tradition of classic browser crime games. You spend energy on deeds to earn gold and experience, climb eight ranks of power, gear up, trade in a player-driven economy, join a guild, gamble in the casino, run heists, and eventually prestige through the Ascension system.

How does energy work?

Energy is the main resource you spend on actions. It refills gradually over real time, even while you are offline, so you can play in short sessions throughout the day. Health and mana regenerate the same way. You can also refill energy instantly with Shadowgems if you are in a hurry.

What happens if I get caught committing a crime?

Failing a risky deed can cost health or throw you in jail, which locks you out of city actions until your sentence ends or someone breaks you out. Your chance of busting out rises the longer you serve, and jailbreak tools and bonuses help. Other players can break you out too, and realm-wide Jail Riots temporarily boost everyone’s breakout odds.

Can I play with friends?

Absolutely. Add friends, chat in global and guild channels, trade gear on the Marketplace, form a guild of up to twenty players, wage siege warfare on rival guilds, and team up on four-player heists. Shadowrealm is built to be played alongside other people.

What are Shadowgems and do I have to pay?

Shadowgems are the premium currency. You earn them for free from daily rewards, login streaks, quests, and optional ad rewards, and you can buy them if you want to support the game. They buy convenience and cosmetics such as instant energy refills, gear rerolls, and name changes. You never need to buy them to compete.

What is Ascension?

Ascension is the prestige endgame. Once you reach the top rank you can reset your progress in exchange for permanent power and access to the Ascendancy talent trees, which make every future run stronger. It keeps a maxed character growing long after the final rank.

Is there an end to the game?

Not really. Beyond ranking up there is always a rarer piece of gear to chase, a higher Arena season to climb, a guild siege to win, a casino to own, a heist to pull, and another Ascension to push through. It is a game you settle into over weeks and months.

I found a bug or have a suggestion. What do I do?

We would love to hear it. Use the Support link in the footer, post in the in-game Suggestions board, or join the community on Discord. The game is in active development and the public Roadmap and Release Notes show what we are working on.

How old do I need to be to play?

Shadowrealm is intended for an adult audience and contains dark fantasy themes. Please review the Terms and Privacy pages before playing.